For second year in a row the Philippines takes home the trophy for most fuel efficient celebrity.

Shell Eco-marathon Asia, Manila, 27th February 2015: Today Bianca Gonzalez competed against Fahrin Ahmad from Malaysia and Pichaya “Golf” Nitipaisalkul from Thailand on the Shell Eco-marathon track, in a battle to determine who is the most fuel efficient celebrity. Bianca was announced the winner after she drove one lap around the SEM track using only 1.75 litres of fuel per 100kms (or 57 kms per litre). For this challenge, the celebrities drove the Shell Urban Concept Car, a fuel-economy vehicle of the future that resembles today’s road cars.

In addition, all three celebrities participated in a live demonstration to bust a commonly believed fuel efficiency myth. The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Study, analysed the behaviour of 7,000 drivers aged 18 to 40 from seven countries across Asia, and showed that on average nearly half (47%) believe it is more fuel efficient to avoid wind resistance by using the air conditioning rather than rolling down the windows.

According to Mike Evans, Shell Fuels Scientist: “Air conditioning puts added strain on the engine and uses fuel to operate. That is why in general, when driving at low speeds, it is more fuel efficient to wind down the window or use the fan instead. It isn't until you reach faster speeds when wind resistance begins to impact fuel efficiency. So try to use the air conditioning sparingly when driving around town and switch it on when travelling at high speeds, such as driving on a motorway.”

Bianca Gonzalez said: “I’m so excited to be the winner of the Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Celebrity Driving Challenge for the second year in a row! I plan on using the fuel efficiency techniques I’ve learned when I’m out driving in the future and passing some of this advice along to my friends and family. For example, I know that the fuel I use makes a difference to efficiency. I use Shell FuelSave because it is designed to last longer¹.”

Jeff Chan, Fuels Brand Manager at Philipinas Shell, added: “We are so pleased with today’s results and proud to crown Bianca Gonzalez as the winner of the Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Celebrity Driving Challenge. Shell Eco-marathon was designed to engage the next generation of scientists and engineers in the future of mobility by challenging them to design, engineer and test new ways to improve fuel efficiency of vehicles. The results we have seen today are truly inspiring and we hope it encourages more people to think about innovative ways to meet future energy needs. The support of Bianca has helped show all Filipino drivers how easy it can be to become more fuel efficient today.”

Now in its sixth year in Asia, Shell Eco-marathon is the world’s biggest fuel efficiency competition and one of the most innovative student competitions. Held annually, the platform aims to challenge the region’s aspiring young engineers to design, build and test ultra-energy efficient vehicles to help further discussions around the future of mobility. The competition, which is taking place for the second time in Manila from 26 February and 1 March 2015, will see 127 teams from 17 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia compete on the track until 1 March, when the final results will be announced.

To find out more about the science behind Shell FuelSave and discover simple tips to help manage motoring costs, please visit www.shell.com.ph/targetonemillion

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About the Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Study

The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Report was commissioned by Shell and conducted by independent research firm Edelman Berland in December 2014. It used an online questionnaire with a nationally representative sample of 7,000 drivers aged 18 to 40 in Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

About Shell FuelSave

Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel are our Regular priced fuels designed to last longer[1]. Currently available in 23 countries, they contain active efficiency ingredients and are designed to improve engine efficiency from the very first tank, which can help your car use fuel less quickly.

About Shell Eco-marathon

Shell Eco-marathon began in 1939 at a Shell research laboratory in the United States as a friendly wager between scientists to see who could get the most miles per gallon from their vehicle. The winner of that contest barely achieved 50 mpg (21 km/l), and from these humble origins, a more organized competition evolved. In 1985 in France, Shell Eco-marathon as we know it today was born. In April 2007, the Shell Eco-marathon Americas event was launched in the United States, and in 2010, the inaugural Shell Eco-marathon Asia was held in Malaysia. Malaysia hosted Shell Eco-Marathon Asia until 2013. Since 2014, the event is being held in Manila, Philippines, which will continue to host the event until 2016.